Coaching Hub

THE BBFC COACHING TOOLKIT

Everything in one place

Session plans, age group guides, match day checklists and key contacts - everything you need to hit the ground running this season.

—  We couldn't do it wihtout you!

Getting Started as a Coach

New or returnning to coaching at BBFC? We are here to help!

Here's what you need to do before the season kicks off.

Required

Register as a Coach

Register through PlayFootball as a coach or volunteer for the 2026 season.

Required

Working with Children Check

Free for volunteers. Apply through Service NSW — takes about 5 minutes.

Recommended

Complete Coaching Course

Access the FA Learning Centre for age-appropriate coaching certificates.

Recommended

Book a Training Field

Submit your preferred day and time slot for weekly training sessions.

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Resources

Session Plans & Guides

Download guides to help you plan sessions, understand playing formats, and run match days smoothly.

First session plan template for U6–U11

Fun drills and games for training afternoons

Fun drills and games for training nights

Ground official responsibilities and procedurescedures

What to do when a player gets hurt

Behaviour standards for everyone at the club

Know your group

Quick Reference by Age

Tap an age group to see field format, game duration, squad size and setup requirements.

4v4, no goalkeeper
2 × 10 min halves
Up to 8 players
Pop-up goals
7v7 with goalkeeper
2 × 15 min halves
Up to 12 players
Pop-up goals
9v9 with goalkeeper
2 × 20 min halves
Up to 14 players
Aluminium goals + corner flags
11v11 full field
2 × 30 min halves
Up to 18 players
Full nets, corner & halfway flags
11v11 full field
2 × 35 min halves
Up to 20 players
Full nets, corner & halfway flags
—  First season > Sorted!

Clipboards + Oranges *

New to coaching at BBFC? We've got you covered!

No experience needed, we've got everything you need to run a bunch of great MiniRoo sessions is right here.

* Clipboard optional

Playbook The Mindset
Facilitator Guide

MiniRoos Playbook

7 sections · 5 min read

  • The Mindset
  • Session Plan
  • Game Frameworks
  • Cheat Sheet
  • Do's & Don'ts
  • Matchday Checklist
  • Get the Guide
The Mindset
Just Like Ted Lasso.
You're a Facilitator of Fun!

That's literally the #1 thing Football Australia wants you to know. You can take the word "coach" out of your mind if you want because your job is really just to let the kiddos play!

No experience needed
25-50 min sessions
10 ready-made sessions

Your job is simple: set up the games, keep it safe, and let them play. You're recreating street football - kids making their own decisions, expressing themselves freely, and having a blast.

The 5-Part Session

Every session follows the same simple flow. Same structure each week - kids know what to expect, and you always know what's next.

1
Small-Sided Game5-10 min
Kids arrive and jump straight into a small game. No drills, no laps - just play.
2
Fun Football Game5-10 min
A themed game that builds skills without kids realising. Heaps of touches, everyone succeeds.
3
Same Game + Twist5-10 min
Back to Step 1 with a small variation - weaker foot goal = 3 points. New decisions, same fun.
4
Physical Literacy5-10 min
Movement game - balance, agility, coordination. Tag, relays. Jump in yourself.
5
Let Them Play5-10 min
Same game, no stoppages. Praise effort and let them express themselves.
Is It a G.O.O.D. Game?

If the answer is yes to all four, you're running a great activity.

G
Goals
O
Opponents
O
Opportunities
D
Directional
Game Not Working? C.H.A.N.G.E I.T.

Don't scrap it - just tweak one of these dials.

C
Coaching
Feedback at breaks
H
How to Score
Bonus for creativity
A
Area
Bigger = easier
N
Numbers
3v2 overloads
G
Game Rules
Pass before shoot
E
Equipment
More goals, smaller ball
I
Inclusion
Every child succeeds
T
Time
10-sec shot clock
Facilitator Cheat Sheet

The little things that make a big difference on game day.

Greet every child by nameArrive early, set up, and welcome each kid as they arrive with a smile.
Praise effort, not ability"Great try!" beats "Good goal." Celebrate having a go, not the result.
Keep instructions under 30 secShow don't tell. Short attention spans at this age - keep it brief.
Don't stop the gameSave your feedback for drink breaks. The game is the teacher.
Equal playing time for allEvery child plays the same amount. No benching the less skilled kids.
End on a high noteFarewell every child with something positive. Set a fun home challenge.
The Quick Guide

Keep these in mind and you'll be a great MiniRoos facilitator.

Do This

  • Let kids make their own decisions on the field
  • Encourage creativity - there's no "wrong" way at this age
  • Get involved yourself - join in the games
  • Use a buddy system so new players feel welcome
  • Communicate positively with parents
  • Group by ability where possible, not just age

Avoid This

  • Coaching them like adults - they're 5 to 11
  • Long instructions - if you're talking, they're not playing
  • Criticising less skilled or newer players
  • A "win at all costs" mentality - it's about development
  • Unequal playing time - everyone plays equally
  • Standing on the sideline shouting directions
Before Kick-Off

Your matchday checklist - tick them off as you go.

0 / 8
You're good to go. Have a great game!
Ready to Go?

Download the full MiniRoos Session Guide - 10 complete sessions with pitch diagrams, equipment lists, and game variations.

Download Session Guide Want to level up? Find a coaching course
Sections
—  COACHING RESOURCES

Video sessions

Tactical coaching videos from Northern NSW Football covering pressing, build-up play, formations, and more.

Video poster
All Categories
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Courses & Training

Keen to learn more skills?

Access coaching courses, interactive sessions, and video resources.

FA Learning Centre

Access coaching courses and certificates

Interactive Coaching Sessions

NNSWF animated drills and session plans

Coaching Video Library

YouTube playlist of drills and session ideas

PlayFootball

Manage your coach registration and profile

We're here to help!

Register!